Launceston Stands By Its Record Against Stags' Threat

Launceston, competition leader all season, stands ready to win Saturday’s Tasmanian Rugby Grand Final over fourth qualifiers Glenorchy Stags.  Indeed at the mid-point of the season Glenorchy were no certainties to make the finals, let alone be on this week’s bill, so their purposeful progress has surely drawn the attention and respect of the visitors.
 
The rugby adage that defence wins crucial matches and finals supports Launceston, who have conceded fewer points than any side other than Taroona during the regular season.  Despite denying Burnie in their last match, they may feel a slight disadvantage in match fitness, but know their key performers are injury-free.  At their best they show great patience with the ball in hand to pressure and exhaust their opponents enough to ease their own tackling load.
 
In the front row Launceston’s Bertie Loubser, Colin Montgomery and Ben Chessum combine size and experience enough to ensure great care in Glenorchy’s selection.  Whilst not denying the enormous contribution of the scrum to recent success the Stags could find they need to make up some leeway in other areas, including the line-out, where the likely absence of tall jumper Johannes Loubser could affect the visitors’ confidence in planning their wider running game.
 
The Stags’ have managed to play virtually an extra back-rower by selectively restoring Zac Gregson to his former role of tight-head and the mobility of flankers Josh Dorahy and Xavier Frasson has complemented their defensive line speed.  If their selected combination promises and delivers this advantage they may pressure Launceston more than most have done this year.
 
Launceston’s mobile terriers, Robbie Lyons and Loki Yuen will need to advance their own line and force the ground ball behind the Stags’ advantage line, especially if the wide passing game of Glenorchy fly-half Dan Aualiitia is paraded this week.  The final placement of Wally Dare and Josh Papera could then give an insight into Glenorchy’s reading of the pressure points they see in Launceston’s combination.
 
Launceston will need to get clear direction from Luke Niejelke to ensure they vary their attacking lines and test Glenorchy’s strong defensive communication.  Their attacking fullback Jake Shayer has proven points-scoring capacity to complement the possibility of quality possession from the big movers up forward.
 
Glenorchy coach Shannan Banks is confident that Launceston will rely on forward consistency rather than attacking brilliance to threaten his team.  The sound on-field leadership from Wally Dare and Aualiitia has kept the Stags well-focused and they can enjoy their underdog status.  Launceston’s David Smith praised Glenorchy’s defence and willingness to seize opportunities and they will rely on Nick Sotirou and Montgomery to again show the way forward.
 
Match Times: Seniors (3pm); Division 2 (1.15 pm); Under 18 (1.30 pm); Under 16 (12 noon);